About TLCs

Find out more about our Learning Communities

Themed/Learning Communities are groups of students with a shared academic interest
and/or experience who live together, generally either on the same floor or within
the same building. Learning communities provide residents an opportunity to challenge
and shape their personal and professional identities. This is accomplished through
building a community conducting socialized programming that is designed by faculty
and staff from your academic area, and providing access to resources that will aid
in classroom success.

Research has shown that students living in learning communities have a better understanding
of the academic material, better interpersonal and critical thinking skills, and a
stronger connection with faculty members and the institution (Shapiro and Levine).
The university benefits by retaining more students that in turn persist until graduation
(Shapiro and Levine). The Office of Residence Life, in conjunction with our many academic
partners, is pleased to offer Themed/Learning Community Experiences in the subjects
or interest areas listed. Click on a link to learn more about that specific program.

How to apply for Themed/Learning Communities?

Individual communities have different membership criteria; see individual community
pages for specifics. Learning Communities are focused on many different academic interests.
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply for a community,
please complete your housing contract. There is a section of the housing contract
which is for joining a themed or learning community. If you have already completed
your contract, you can go back in to make necessary adjustments.